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 Archived Research ProjectsClick on a project title below to view a project brief summary and any associated documentation.
Milton Urban Area Expansion Project Ontario Water Level Lake Series Research Magpie River Ramping Rate Study Genetic Structure and Diversity of Native and Exploited Lake Trout Populations Impacts of Housing Developments and Trails on the Integrity of Ganaraska Forest Bird Communities Enhancing the Capacity for Water Quality Protection, Assessment and Management in the Yukon Identification of Groundwater Recharge Areas through Spatiotemporal Analysis Ontario Stream Segmentation and Characterization using Arc Hydro The Ecology and Management of Riverine Fishes A Surface Water Quality Threats Assessment Method using Landscape-based Indexing Design Standards for Improving Fish Habitat Management Low Flow Information for the Province of Ontario Network Design Study for the Ontario Stream Gauge Rehabilitation Project
[A] Biology Department, Trent University
The three year initial Environmental Monitoring Plan for the Phase Two Area of this project incorporates a holistic monitoring program that includes hydrological and water quality monitoring as well as biodiversity surveys and ecological land classification. This monitoring uses some of the same monitoring protocols used in the Phase One Area monitoring and will, in turn, provide background data and recommendations for the development of the Phase Two Area and the future development of Phase Three Area. Concerns and results that are identified here are not unique to the Town of Milton. In many parts of Ontario, Canada and North America towns and cities are wrestling with ways to effectively monitor environmental conditions during development. Reports are available upon request from the Town of Milton.
[A] Biology Department, Trent University
The MRRRS, entering its sixth field season in 2007 (of an eight year study). It is being lead by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), - Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Sault Ste. Marie in partnership with Brookfield Power Corp. Ltd. and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). The OMNR as partnered with the Institute for Watershed Science to lead its role in this project which focuses on the measurement of the primary variables listed above.
Michael Halbisen
This research is focused on determining how supplemental stocking has altered patterns of natural genetic diversity in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) populations. The research is being conducted using a genetic profiling methodology to evaluate populations in three different, representative regions of natural genetic diversity in Ontario and the Great Lakes region. Both mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA variation are being measured to assess the degree of interbreeding between stocked and native lake trout. The research also includes an evaluating the influence of environmental and anthropogenic impacts on the reproductive success of supplemented individuals. Impacts of Housing Developments and Trails on the Integrity of Ganaraska Forest Bird Communities
Population sinks, habitats where individuals do not successfully reproduce to replace themselves, can only be maintained by immigration from source populations. In southern and central Ontario studies have shown small forest fragments to be strong population sinks, potentially causing reductions of 19-24 %. Population sources are localities where stable populations replace themselves, and population growth exceeds annual input. Management options that ensure that bird populations in large park environments act as sources are critical in maintaining landscape-level populations. The Ganaraska Forest is a major woodland in south-central Ontario, yet no avian or wildlife studies have been carried out to determine population status or conservation priorities. This large forest has a surprising diversity of birds, from those more typical of much more northerly ecosystems, to those more typical of the rare (in Canada) Carolinian forest. Thus, this large forest is an extremely important (and probably unmatched) nursery for avian biodiversity in central eastern Ontario. While we recognize the need of further study for increased sample sizes and therefore confidence, these results offer provide baseline information for further management considerations related to recreation, harvesting and interior/edge boundary maintenance or creation. Although no direct consequences of current recreational use or surrounding land-use were evident, 5 of 7 species demonstrate similar population dynamics in small (< 20 ha) forest fragments in Peterborough County, with the Ganaraska unable to provide an environment condusive to reproduction at the replacement level. This suggests that the gaps within the Ganaraska Forest, either because of trails or because of current silvicultural practices are replicating conditions also present in small forest fragments to the north. These conditions include not only increased predation risk but also a reduction in potential food that could lead to reduced nest attentiveness,that, in turn, would lead to increases in nest predation. These hypotheses will be tested explicitly with a more complete data set in the upcoming years.
Chris Metcalfe [A], Gordon Balch [A], Chris Furgal [B], Pat Roach[C], Kevin Rumsey[C], Victoria Edge[D] and Brent Wootton [E] [A] Institute for Watershed Science, Trent University
Scott Bates and Robert Metcalfe,
Characterisation and Classification of Flow Regimes of Natural Rivers in Ontario to Support the Identification of Potential Reference Basins
[A] Watershed Science Centre, Trent University
Project Report (PDF) ... Coming Soon Ontario Stream Segmentation and Characterization using Arc Hydro This project reviewed exisiting techniques and tools for segmenting stream networks into ecologically meaningful reaches. the methods that are outlined in the final document describe the practical application of the Arc Hydro data model and tools to segment streams based on a variety of hydrologically significant landscape characteristics at three levels of reach, reach contributing area, and total upstream reach drainage area.
Since 2001, the focus of this research has been the ecology and management of riverine fishes. During this period, project work has included COSEWIC status reviews of riverine fishes at risk, and research on the impacts of dams and habitat fragmentation on riverine fishes, ecology and monitoring of Ontario fish species-at-risk, and impact assessment and management of pipeline water crossing construction. Much of this work has been completed in collaboration with scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Representative Publications: Reid, S.M, C.C. Wilson, N.E. Mandrak, and L.M. Carl. 2007 Population structure and genetic diversity of black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) in a highly fragmented watershed. Conservation Genetics (In Press). Reid, S.M., N. Jones and G. Yunker. 2007. Monitoring redside dace in Ontario streams: Evaluation of single pass electrofishing and rapid habitat assessment. North American Journal of Fisheries Management (In Press). Reid, S.M., F. Ade, and S. Metikosh. 2004. Sediment entrainment during pipeline water crossing construction: Predictive models and crossing method comparison. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science 3:81-88. A Surface Water Quality Threats Assessment Method using Landscape-based Indexing Robert Metcalfe, Bastian Schmidt and Richard Pyrce
Associated GIS raster data (PSAI) is available upon request. Please contact us at 1.705.748.1011 x7940.
G. Gillespie [A], L. Carl [A]&[B], R. Mackereth [C], L. Greig [D], [A] Watershed Science Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON There is a high level of uncertainty associated with management decisions about development activities that impact fish communities and their habitat. Using hypothesis testing in an iterative and sequential manner, uncertainty about development impacts can be reduced at a variety of scales. Previous attempts at standardization may have focused too closely on the development of universal data standards rather than on hypotheses to be tested and the relevance of collected data to the agencies asked to adopt the standards. This approach assumes that universal data standards will be determined, accepted, and used regardless of site or situation-specific circumstances that may undermine variables' relevance to the site of question. Instead of enforcing universal data standards for all project types, science and management needs are more likely to be met if design standards are developed first, determining what information is needed in specific circumstances to address an issue. This approach is the basis of the "Design Standards for Improving Fish Habitat Workshop" where standard monitoring studies for use in the evaluation of mitigation and compensation measures commonly implemented in projects reviewed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be developed and tested.
Richard Pyrce, Watershed Science Centre Interest in low flow discharges in many of Ontario’s rivers has become an increasing concern, as Ontario has experienced lower than average precipitation and low water levels since 1998. Many Conservation Authorities have low flow information on their websites, and the Province of Ontario has developed an Ontario Low Water Response (July 2003). Today, much more data is available including longer station records, thus increasing the reliability and accuracy of low flow statistics for the Province of Ontario. This allows practitioners to make more informed choices, and regulatory agencies to better analyse low flow needs for understanding hydrological trends for water taking and waste assimilation, ecological sustainability, and the geomorphic stability of streams. Low flow work completed includes a comprehensive review of low flow indices used globally. Commonly used indices (e.g. 7Q10; a 7-day low flow with a 10-year recurrence period) and more specialized or unique indicators (e.g. 4Q3, 30Q2) are repeatedly used in low flow analysis. Part of the challenge is to determine the appropriate use of specific indices regarding instream (environmental) flows, low flow (chronic) criteria for aquatic life, and establishing the baseflow contribution to streams. An appendix to the low flow report explores the idea of using baseflow as an instream flow. Hydrological Low Flow Indices and their Uses (PDF) Considering Baseflow as a Low Flow or Instream Flow (PDF)
Richard Pyrce, Watershed Science Centre The Watershed Science Centre assisted the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources with investigating the background and analysing methods of stream gauge network design. Stream gauges are essential for the successful planning of Ontario watersheds and are needed to determine flood risk and assess climate change, among many other uses. During the 1990’s however, provincial budget restrictions meant that some gauging stations were mothballed or decommissioned. Starting in 2001, Conservation Authorities and district offices of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment were asked to provide suggestions for upgrades and new gauging stations for the Ontario network.
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Due to the Milton Urban Expansion Project the Town of Milton has a growing need for environmental monitoring. The Phase One Area environmental monitoring program includes hydrometerological, fluvial geomorphological and water quality monitoring as part of the Milton Urban Expansion Project (Phillips Eng. 2000). This monitoring was initiated in 2003 to provide background data and recommendations for the development of the Phase One Area and the future development of Phases Two and Three. The environmental monitoring program is a requirement of both Federal and Provincial regulatory agencies and considers the impact of development on the Sixteen Mile Creek sub-watershed.
The Ontario Water Level Lake Series (OWLLS) project focuses on understanding how water level fluctuation structures littoral benthic macro-invertebrate communities. It was created due to a paucity of data concerning natural water level fluctuation across the province. OWLLS consisted of twenty-one natural lakes, dispersed across the province, where water level and temperature are recorded at hourly intervals 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
The Magpie River Ramping Rate Study (MRRRS) aims to investigate the ecological impacts of hydroelectric operations on the Magpie River, Wawa, Ontario. Specifically, the purpose of the study is to investigate the ecological impacts associated with varying the rates of change of flow (i.e. ramping rates, m3 sec-1 hr-1) downstream of the Steephill Falls waterpower facility. The experiment design follows the Adaptive Ecosystem Assessment and Management Approach (AEAM) and Before After Control Impact (BACI) design. The control, or reference system, is meant to provide information on the concurrent natural variability of a riverine ecosystem to allow the isolation of impacts associated with waterpower operations on the experimental system. The Batchawana River, an unregulated system near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was selected as a reference system for this study.
When the genetic background of donor and recipient fish populations are poorly matched, supplemental stocking may be unsuccessful. Stocked fish may not survive, or they may numerically replace naturally produced individuals without contributing to a self-sustaining, wild population. Even in cases where supplemental stocking is successful, interbreeding between indigenous fish and non-native hatchery strains can lead to homogenization of native population genetic structure. Ultimately these admixed populations may be less suited to changes in the natural environment than the original natives. 
In recent decades North American neotropical migrant populations have seriously declined. Potential causes of declines in forest bird productivity and abundance include loss of regional forest cover, habitat loss through timber harvesting, and fragmentation, trails that increase edges and hence, predation risk, and surrounding land uses that also influence the predation pressure on bird nests.
The project objectives are to establish national standards and the data requirements to meet those Standards in the key business areas for the 
This project will enhance the source water protection capacity of First Nation communities within the Yukon. It is funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. This project brings together Aboriginal partners, government, Trent University and Fleming College for the enhancement of regional and local capacities to understand, manage, assess and protect drinking water resources of First Nation communities in the Yukon. It represents the development of a training module (workshop and web-based) that could be transferable to other Aboriginal communities and regions across the country who require this material. 
Groundwater recharge can be diffuse, occurring at a relatively consistent rate, but may also occur at much higher rates and volumes in areas of focused recharge, which function as preferential flow pathways. A variety of methods have been employed to identify areas with potential to support higher rates of groundwater recharge. This identification, delineation and management of focused recharge areas is paramount to the protection of drinking water sources and maintenance of water quantity and quality in streams, rivers and wetlands due to their potential connectivity to these areas, and inherent vulnerability. 
Groundwater recharge is an important parameter required for many hydrologic analyses, including those needed for Water Budget and Water Quantity Risk Assessment (WB/WQRA) under Ontario’s program for Source Water Protection. In the context of hydrology, recharge represents the fraction of precipitation which reaches the groundwater table by percolation through the soil vadose zone after run-off and evaporative losses at the soil-vegetation-atmosphere interface. Recharge is difficult to quantify, especially at the extensive scale needed for watershed-based Source Water Protection. This is due to the complexity and spatial heterogeneity of the physical factors influencing recharge at the watershed scale. Recharge is often a required input parameter for advanced numerical hydrological modelling. For this purpose, recharge is usually assumed to be uniform across the model domain because more detailed information is not available. The proposed research will use spatially distributed land surface process modelling and other spatial analysis techniques to create more spatiotemporally informed estimates of groundwater recharge for use within the tiered assessment framework of the WB/WQRA programs. The final results of the research will be a comprehensive report on the findings including a detailed methodology (with sample input/output data sets) which will be transferable to other areas of Ontario. The proposed research is aimed at identifying current groundwater recharge conditions. However, future research will be able to utilize the results of this research to assess the impacts of climate and land use change 
The accurate delineation of depression-focussed recharge areas in hummocky terrain can be used to advantage in both groundwater and surface water modelling. The closed drainage patterns (kettles and sinks), their location typically in headwater areas, combined with the generally coarser geological materials associated with hummocky terrain, result in such areas having a disproportionate hydrologic influence in relation to their surface area within the watersheds they are found. 
Reference basins are being increasingly used to better understand the ecological significance of hydrological variability, particularly on riverine systems. This includes long-term monitoring using reference basin networks for state-of-the-resource reporting and studying regional responses to climate change and as controls to determine whether ecological responses at impact sites are attributable to management decisions or natural variability. The need for reference basins in Ontario has been highlighted by increased interest in environmental flow methodologies for rivers regulated through water takings and waterpower generation and increased interest in understanding impacts of climate change on riverine systems. 
This research developed methods, data layers, models, and tools to estimate both baseflow characteristics and potential nutrient loading at ungauged sites using landscape indicators. This information is integrated into a water quality susceptibility index for the systematic screening of potential threats to surface water conditions across watersheds at the landscaper scale.